Search

Avoidance of ambiguity can be examined by both text analytic and self-report methods. In previous studies using text analytic methods, clinical groups showed a higher avoidance of ambiguity than nonclinical subjects. In nonclinical subjects, however, higher avoidance of ambiguity did not correlate with emotional processes. In these studies, higher avoidance of ambiguity was assessed by a text analytic method (DoTA), which was applied to the Holtzman Inkblot Technique. However, the inkblot Technique may not activate those cognitive-affective structures in nonclinical subjects required to elicit higher avoidance of ambiguity. Thus, the following discrepant results can be predicted: in nonclinical subjects, DoTA indicators of higher avoidance of ambiguity based on Holtzman Inkblot Technique do not show correlations with self-report measures of higher avoidance of ambiguity such as the Ambiguity Tolerance Questionnaire, the Inventory for the Measurement of Tolerance of Ambiguity (Reis inventory), or self-report measures of related traits of personality such as the Giessen Test. Self-report measures of higher avoidance of ambiguity should show such correlations. Two studies were carried out to test these hypotheses. In Study 1, 80 nonclinical subjects (48 women, M age=34.5 yr.) were examined using the DoTA text analytic method, the Ambiguity Tolerance Questionnaire-14 and the Giessen Test. In Study 2, 82 nonclinical subjects (43 women, M age=34.0 yr.) were tested using the Reis inventory. The results obtained in these subjects are consistent with the hypothesis.

Outside of the states of Texas and Alabama, the distribution of limnoterrestrial tardigrades in the American Deep South is poorly known. There are no published records from the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, while in Arkansas only one species has been reported. As part of a long-term study of tardigrade distribution and ecology in the region, I began sampling for Louisiana and Arkansas tardigrades in the spring of 2000. In Louisiana, I sampled mosses and lichens from two sites in Calcasieu Parish and one in Natchitoches Parish. No tardigrades were found in ground mosses (Sphagnum sp.). From mosses and lichens on trees I identified seven species of tardigrade, belonging to four genera. No sample contained more than two species of tardigrade. Mosses and lichens obtained from trees and rocks in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountain regions of western Arkansas contained fifteen species of tardigrade. The number of species per sample ranged from one to six.

The distribution of tardigrades in North America remains poorly known. Although a few areas have been intensively sampled, much of the continent has never been surveyed. Only four species have been reported in the state of Michigan: Macrobiotus hufelandi and Isohypsibius prosostomus on Isle Royale in Lake Superior, and Hexapodibius pilatoi and Diphascon {Adropion) belgicae in soil from the Lower Peninsula. In July 2005 I collected cryptogams from woodlands in the Upper Peninsula. Sites in all of the Upper Peninsulas 15 counties were sampled. Eleven tardigrade species were present in these mosses and lichens: the heterotardigrade Echiniscus virginicus and the eutardigrades Diphascon (Diphascon) iltisi, D. (D.) stappersi, Hypsibius arcticus, H. calcaratus, Ramazzottius baumanni, Macrobiotus echinogenitus, Macrobiotus cf. hufelandia, Macrobiotus tonollii, Minibiotus intermedius, and Milnesium tartigradum. The most widely distributed tardigrades were the cosmopolitan species Milnesium tardigradum and Minibiotus intermedius. The known distribution of Echiniscus vinginicus and D. (D.) stappersi in North America was hitherto limited to the southeastern United States.

The distribution of limnoterrestrial tardigrades in the American south is poorly known. This is especially true in the Gulf Coast states. There is only one published record of tardigrades from Louisiana. Nine species were found in two sites in southwestern Louisiana. We collected samples of lichens and mosses from fifteen sites in southeastern Louisiana, encompassing all parishes east of the Mississippi River. Sampling was not quantitative. The sites chosen included both natural woodlands and highly disturbed habitats. The collected material was soaked in deionized water overnight, allowing anhydrobiotic tardigrades to become active. Tardigrades were then mounted in Hoyer's medium for identification. The species collected included Echiniscus cavagnaroi, E. kofordi, Milnesium tardigradum, Macrobiotus cf. hufelandi, M. tonollfi, M. cf. harmsworthi, Minibiotus intermedius, Minibiotus fallax, Doryphoribius citrinus, and one Macrobiotus sp. new to science. D. citrinus has not previously been found in North America. The other species found in southeastern Louisiana are found in similar habitats in Florida.

Hemidactylus turcicus is an introduced lizard that has established colonies on buildings all along the Gulf Coast. A demographic survey was conducted of populations on three buildings on the campus [...]

Objective: A prospective cohort study evaluated the performance and acceptability of the cognitive based Mood Evaluation Questionnaire (MEQ) in assessing depressive symptoms over time in patients with advanced cancer. The structured clinical interview for DSM-III-R (SCID) and the single-item interview screening question were also administered. Method: Forty-five advanced cancer patients were followed monthly for up to six interviews (108 interviews in total). Results: The MEQ and SCID had moderate agreement (weighted kappa 0.52 over all interviews). At first interview, 26 (58%) patients were depressed using MEQ, seven (16%) of these severely. Attrition rates were high for subsequent interviews. The assessment process was considered positive by 92% patients, and acceptable as a single and repeat measure. Positive responses to MEQ questions about worthlessness, death and self-harm were strong predictors of current depressed mood. Conclusion: The MEQ has potential as a useful alternative to SCID in assessing depressive symptoms in a palliative care population, and can be used by nonpsychiatric trained professionals. It is positively received by patients and acceptable as a repeat measure. Most patients appreciate being asked about their mood in depth, including questions around death and self harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To survey changes in depressive symptoms over time in patients with advanced cancer using the Mood Evaluation Questionnaire (MEQ), and explore how effective Palliative Care Professionals (PCPs) are at assessing this. Method: Forty-five advanced cancer patients were followed monthly for up to six interviews (108 interviews in total). Selected clinical variables were recorded. Results: At first interview, 26 (58%) patients were depressed using MEQ, seven (16%) severely. Attrition rates were high, with 28, 13, nine, seven and six patients available for subsequent interviews. A >12-point increase in MEQ over sequential interviews was associated with reduced survival (Hazard ratio 3.2, CI 1.2-8.4). PCPs recognized depressed mood, but underdiagnosed severe depression in 9% of patients (CI 3-16%, P=0.002). A past history of depression was a strong indicator of current depressed mood on the MEQ. Conclusion: Change in depressive symptoms over time is related to mortality in this patient cohort, patients with marked deterioration in mood dying earlier. PCPs usually recognize patients' depression but underestimate the severity of depressed mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]